Elise Scott shut the company file Patrick Montgomery had handed her. Her expression turned resolute after finding the answer she sought.

"I'm certain you're aware of my history with your family, Mr. Montgomery," she stated.

"Naturally," Patrick responded with cheerful confidence. "That's precisely why I approached you for a novel drama partnership."

As Elise raised an eyebrow, he returned her gaze with a polished smile. "The enemy of my enemy becomes my ally—wasn't that the foundation of Victoria and Sophia Mitchell's partnership?"

Elise studied him carefully. He knew so much about Victoria and Sophia's arrangement.

Yet it was exactly this ability to uncover every detail about her and those around her that made her hesitant to partner with him.

Before Elise could voice her refusal, Patrick added bluntly, "Don't dismiss me so quickly, Miss Scott. Hear me out first. Understand what I hope to achieve through our partnership, and why I have grievances against Victoria."

Elise paused her immediate refusal.

Patrick began his explanation. "Decades ago—during my great-great-grandfather's era—the family established an arrangement. Montgomery Stuart, my grandfather, would pursue politics. William Stuart, Victoria's grandfather, would handle business affairs."

"Decades passed with this arrangement functioning smoothly. Both family branches consistently supported each other."

"However, in the last ten years, William set his sights on political influence. He began involving himself in various political events in the capital, with James Stuart at his side."

"Though James is the heir to Stuart Group, Victoria actually controls everything."

"Their objective was clear. They aimed to establish their own political dynasty while usurping our family's political influence. Ambitious, certainly. But William's strength alone wouldn't suffice for such an endeavor."

"He requires support from multiple factions. William's first target became the Levines—Crestwood's wealthiest family. This led to the sudden announcement of Victoria and William Levine's engagement."

Patrick watched Elise closely. "You might be wondering—the Levines focus solely on business. How could that impact politics?"

Elise remained silent, so he continued. "First, politics isn't solely about influence. Substantial capital is always necessary. Even if William's family branch possesses considerable wealth, one never complains about excessive funds."

"Similarly, their path to political establishment remains rocky. They need reliable allies. They must ensure Stuart Group never falters. The Levines become strategic allies in this cause."

"So don't blame William Levine for turning from you. It's not just him either. Even Henry Levine lacks authority in this matter."

Elise looked up, surprised he would defend William.

"Which brings us to the second point—the man named William Levine," Patrick continued. "I've researched him thoroughly. His father was a prodigy like him."

"Tragic, losing that man so early. There was a time when everyone presumed Levine Holdings would collapse when circumstances turned bleak."

"Yet William himself resurrected them from the brink at twenty. A commercial legend. Hence William Stuart's keen interest in bringing William Levine into his fold."

"Sometimes, being excessively capable proves detrimental."

"Which brings us to the present situation."

Despite his lengthy explanation, Patrick showed no interest in Elise's response. He simply continued. "My family branch has halted William's political advancement."

"You should understand, Miss Scott, that politics operates differently from business. Political seats are limited, especially at the hierarchy's peak."

"To be perfectly blunt—if William rises to power, my grandfather falls. I'm certain you comprehend how these dynamics function."